Thursday, November 8, 2012

November Knits

Kate Gagnon Osborn and Courtney Kelley's new book, November Knits, hit my desk this week. Boy, is it pretty! Interweave did a nice job with the styling.

The premise behind the book is Fall. November is when we really kick into Autumn. It's when we turn to our knits for warmth and comfort. The holidays are just around the corner and all seems right in the world.

They've divided the book into three sections. The first is called Farm Hands. The knits here are hardworking and practical. Even a little rugged. If I had to pick a favorite section, this would be it. This is my favorite pattern from the whole book. It's called Market Jacket and my friend Tanis Gray is the designer.

The second section is called Ivy League. Think New England. Think football games and crisp walks in the woods while the trees are changing color. These are Walden Pond socks and they were created by Elinor Brown. When I first saw them I thought they'd be pretty hard, but I took a closer look and found out it's just a ten stitch repeat that I'd have memorized in no time. They are definitely doable. They are knit from our Shepherd Sock yarn in 58ns Kerfuffle and 13ns Aqua.

Last up is Southern Comfort. The designs here are soft and feminine. They touch the part of your soul that yearns for biscuits and homemade jam. This beauty is Bluebonnet Scarf from Laura Nelkin.

I know I've been threatening it for a long time, but I am going to make a beaded something on of these days. Maybe this is the one. Laura's class on Craftsy looks like it'd make quick work of learning how.

Kate and Courtney were nice enough to send a copy for us to give away. Why don't you tell me what color combination you'd use for your Walden Pond socks? I'll pick a lucky winner from the comments on Monday at noon CDT. Ciao kids!

Walden Pond Socks need to knit in colors that are in the leaves there in the fall. I should know what they are, I grew up only a couple miles from there! I would use Pine and Butterscotch or Pine and Courage.

I would go for a nice green and purple...because it will always remind me of a stunning looking elderly grey haired woman who I saw in the Modern Art Museum in Mönchengladbach...she wore a green dress and a purple coat..mind you...it is almost 30 years ago, but I still see her vividly..some images never go away..

I think Kerfuffle and Grapevine would be a cool combination. But then, all of the colors are so gorgeous, it's hard to choose. Would love to win this book--I'm an admirer of Kate and Courtney and these patterns look wonderful.